Policy

2018 Public Policy Platform

Our Mission:

“The Arc Maryland works to create a world where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.”

2018 Priorities

I. FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Protect current funding and secure additional funds to ensure a stable, quality system of Community Programs funded by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) that supports all individuals, regardless of age and severity of disability. Supports shall be provided to assist individuals live fulfilling and respectful lives in their community. Community programs include residential, employment, vocational, habilitation, and individual and family supports.

Ensure funds to meet statutory requirements for an annual cost of living increase for DDA community programs and direct support professionals.

II. WAITING LIST

Seek funding to meet the needs of individuals on the DDA Waiting List. Maryland is the wealthiest state in the nation; yet over 8,000 children and adults with I/DD wait for critical services. In 2017, the Maryland state budget included funding for two new capped waivers to support a total of 800 children and adults from the DDA Waiting List. In addition, funding was included to support 100 more children through the Autism Waiver program. Even with these additional resources, the Autism Waiver is currently serving people from 2008 and 2009 years and the DD Waiting List remains at approximately 8,000 people with people adding faster than funding is available.[1]

III. TRANSITIONING YOUTH

Ensure families are involved in the transition process and have access to reliable information on the transition process.

Fully fund all Transitioning Youth (TY) who exit the school system at age 21 years so they have the supports they need to participate in their community, jobs, and life-long learning and/or higher education to ensure meaningful adult life and opportunities.

IV. EDUCATION & CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Ensure students with I/DD have access to inclusive, quality, free and appropriate public education (preschool, primary, secondary, and post-secondary education) and receive appropriate accommodations to participate in all aspects of education life.

Ensure children with I/DD are included in neighborhood child care, before and after school programs, and camps regardless of the nature or level of their disability.

V. EMPLOYMENT

Increase opportunities for competitive, integrated employment at fair wages for people with Intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ensure funding is sufficient to provide quality community supports with an “employment first” focus.

VI. AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Increase affordable and accessible housing so people with I/DD can live in the community. Accessible housing incudes physical access, as well as, access to transportation for jobs and social opportunities.

VII. LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUSTICE

Support police and other first responder, and school resource officer (SRO) training efforts that reduce stigma, increase safety, and inspire relationships of acceptance and support for all Marylanders.

VIII. CIVIL RIGHTS

Close the remaining state institutions and oppose the expansion of State Residential Centers (SRCs) and new admissions including respite care.

[1] Source: B. Simons, Crisis Resolution: 39 people (after 68 were pulled out to be served in one of the new capped waivers), Crisis Prevention: 671 people, Current Request: 4565 people (August 2017). Additionally, there are approximately 2700 people on the “Future Need List” which is technically separate from the DDA Waiting List and there are also people in need of “Supports Only” for an estimated number of between 8000 and 8200 people